Andy back to win at Baltonsborough; whilst Chris is 2nd at the wet Battle of Sedgemoor 10k; and other Harriers take on Fell races.

Wells City Harriers had members out competing at three running events this past weekend. Former TeamGB international Andrew Hennessy returned to win the Baltonsborough 5 mile road race on the Monday in 27.45 with 1st junior home being u15 Archie Tyler in 8th place overall in 30.44. Whilst on the Sunday Christian Green was 2nd at the Langport Battle of Sedgemoor 10k in 34.40; and on the Saturday Paul Chadwick was 1st V60 at the Oke Croak 10.7 mile Fell race on Dartmoor.

Photo below of the fell runners after the Dartmoor race

At Baltonsborough, amongst the 108 finishers, Chris Walker and Steve Masters also made top ten finishes in 9th and 10th places, both in 30.46. Will Carr was 2nd junior home in 12th place in 31.22. Other Harriers in the 5 mile race:

On the Sunday, in wet conditions, 6 Members of Wells City Harriers took part in the Battle of Sedgemoor 10k race. This race attracted 412 finishers and also counted in the Somerset Race Series 2018. Behind Chris Green other Harriers were: Alex Coombs 11th 36.41; Neil Biss 27th 39.20;Justin Thomas 38th in 40.15; Club Chairman Graham Goldsmid 49th in 41.34, Harriet Burr 146th 49.47.Harrier Junior Jack Harvey won the shorter fun run in a time of 10.18.

On the Saturday a group of 4 Harriers toed the start line of the Oke Croak 10.7 mile Fell race with 2,060 feet of ascent. The race took competitors from Okehampton out onto Dartmoor to the top of Oke and Yes Tors with some navigation required between the peaks to get the best line. Amongst the 50 runners, Harrier Secretary Paul Chadwick was 1st home for the Harriers in 24th place, 1st V60 in 1.55 with team-mate Nick Weaving 25th also 1.55. Andrew Pate and Alice Knight ran together for 43rd and 44th positions in 2.08. There were 50 intrepid runners in total

Earlier in the week Chris and Helen Kelsey ran in the annual Crook Peak fell race with Chris in 40th, 26.23 and Helen in 89th in 35.00 for the 3 mile course including 656 feet of ascent .There were 108 finishers.

Coming up:

Final call for Harriers of all ages to declare themselves available for the South of England Road Relays, due to take place on Sunday 23rd September at Crystal Palace. We have a long tradition of entering competitive teams for these Championships. See the list of previous team success in achievements on the potted history page. Contact coaches or the Secretary Paul Chadwick this week to express an interest. The strongest teams will be selected based on recent performances.

The South of England Fell Running Championships take place on Saturday and Sunday 15th & 16th September – 3 races in 2 days. See listing on calendar – deadline of 10th September.

The 30th season of the Street 5k races start on Wednesday 10th October – if there are any Club members who can help promote the races by using a small poster/flyer for a noticeboard or at an event please contact Race Director Ed Tickner or Graham Goldsmid. If you fancy helping out by being Race Director or co-Race Director the following season (Oct 2019!) then also please contact Ed or Graham. Details about Street 5k here.

TRACK & FIELD

Final South West League match on Sunday 2nd September at Exeter Arena - contact team managers straight away if you haven't already declared your availability

Final T&F opportunity at the Yeovil Games on Sunday 9th September - see YOAC website for full programme and details

CALL FOR COACHES

Do you fancy giving something back to the Club by being a volunteer coach? There will be a training course for new coaches coming up in October. If you attend the course, and then commit to coaching regularly with the Monday juniors then the Harriers will pay for the course. Please contact either Graham or the Coaching co-ordinator Paul Chadwick to express an interest. Coaching page here.